Courtney Spence

I am a PhD candidate and Lecturer at the University of Adelaide. I have an interest in researching topics that affect vulnerable people within the criminal justice system. I am particularly drawn to approaching social problems from an interdisciplinary perspective, as the intersection between Law and Criminology, whilst distinct as academic disciplines, is intrinsically linked in many of the challenges faced in the criminal justice system. My PhD research examines understandings of autism within the criminal justice system. Specifically, I am looking to understand how judges and lawyers consider autism in their decision-making processes when working on cases involving autistic individuals. This research aims to critically examine existing literature and relevant legal frameworks, whilst also highlighting the challenges faced by autistic individuals during court proceedings and sentencing. I have also worked on a number of projects with the Adelaide Cybercrime Laboratory based at the University of Adelaide. I am currently working on a project that aims to gain insight into children's experiences of different grooming tactics across online platforms, their perceptions of risk and their responses to this risk to ultimately inform educational interventions. Prior to starting my PhD, I obtained a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Criminology (Honours) from the University of Adelaide, graduating with First Class Honours. My Honours research focused on researchers' usage of biometric technologies to combat child sexual abuse material and considered the ethical and legal issues that researchers must be aware of. I completed my GDLP with the Law Society of South Australia.